Pantaya to Launch Aarón Díaz’s Crime-Thriller Series “Toda La Sangre”

Aarón Díaz’s blood will be boiling this September…

Pantaya has set September 15 as the premiere date for Toda La Sangre, the crime-thriller starring the 40-year-old Mexican-American actor, singer and model and Ana Brenda Contreras.

Aaron Diaz 2012 CalendarBased on the best-selling novel by Mexican author Bernardo EsquincaToda La Sangre follows Casasola (Díaz), a tabloid reporter who joins forces with police lieutenant Edith Mondragón (Contreras) and Elisa (Yoshira Escárrega), a local anthropologist, who aim to decipher a series of murders that have shocked the country. Together they travel through Mexico City chasing a ritual murderer whose peculiarity is to recreate ancient Aztec sacrifices.

Aaron Diaz

Ana Brenda ContrerasAntonio Trejo Sánchez, Clementina Guadarrama, Cinthia Vázquez, Odiseo Bichir, and Julio Casado also star.

Produced by Fremantle Mexico, the 10-episode series is developed and produced by showrunner and executive producer Zasha Robles from Spiral International, the creator of the Emmy-winning series Falco.

The series is directed by Luis Prieto and Hari Sama; and written by Rodrigo Ordónez, Santiago Rocagliolo, Natalia Mejia, and Alejandro Gerber Bicecci.

Fremantle will also handle international rights outside of the Americas.

Ana Brenda Contreras Signs with AFA Prime Talent Media

Ana Brenda Contreras has new representation…

The 35-year-old Mexican American actress has signed with AFA Prime Talent Media, a division of Kenan Thompson’s Artist for Artist company, which launched earlier this year.

Ana Brenda ContrerasIn her English language debut, Contreras starred as Crystal Jennings in Season 2 of the CW series Dynasty, a reboot of the 1980s series of the same name.

Up next, Contreras will star in Telemundo’s El Conde: Amor y Honor, an adaptation of the 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. She portrays Mariana Zambrano in the series—set to premiere in 2023— co-starring Fernando Colunga and Marjorie de Sousa.

She will also appear in the crime thriller Toda La Sangre for Pantaya opposite Aaron Diaz. She plays Edith Mondragon, a lieutenant who teams up with a journalist (Diaz) to uncover the truth behind a series of visceral murders that resemble Aztec sacrifices in modern-day Mexico City.

The series reunites Contreras and Diaz, who previously starred in the 2005 Spanish-language telenovela Barrera De Amor for Televisa. In her acting debut, she recurred as Juanita Sanchez in the Ernesto Alonso production.

Contreras stays in touch with her fans via social media, where she boasts more than 13 million followers across all platforms.

Pantaya to Release Season Two of Ana de la Reguera’s Comedy Series “Ana” in Late July

There’s more comedy in Ana de la Reguera’s future…

Season 2 of the 45-year-old Mexican actress’ comedy series Ana will premiere via Pantaya on July 22nd in the United States, including Puerto Rico.

Ana de la RegueraThe six-episode series, loosely based on the life of series creator and star de la Reguera, will also be available via Prime Video.

When audiences last saw Ana, she was reeling after realizing her dream gig portraying Morticia Adams wasn’t all she imagined.

When Season 2 picks up approximately a year later, Ana is working in Los Angeles on a television series reminiscent of a bad 90’s sitcom. Yes, she’s working steadily, but what does that matter when you’re unhappy?

“Ana is working on this new series in Season 2 and she is absolutely miserable,” de la Reguera says. “I really feel that the best comedy comes from people’s misery, so you can expect the second season to be hilarious. Ana is facing the reality that there’s nothing worse than when a wish comes true because often, that wish is not what you expected. All she wanted was to have steady work acting but everything goes completely wrong and now she’s miserable. And, the worst part of it all is that the show is a hit! Plus, Ana has a new nemesis this season, an 8-year-old named Miercoles who she taunts by calling her Martes. It’s hilarious.”

In the Season 1 finale, it was revealed that Ana’s mom Nena (Tina Romero) lost her house after she arrived at her daughter’s home for Christmas with multiple large suitcases. When the show returns, viewers will see Nena settled and happier than ever.

“Ana’s mom now lives with her in Los Angeles—unfortunately,” de la Reguera shares with a laugh. “She now goes back and forth between L.A. and Mexico but she’s the one living the dream and having fun. She’s enjoying Ana’s success while Ana is miserable.”

Season 2 will also count with a new Papasito played by David Palacio following the exit of Carlos Miranda. Papasito 2.0 will flex his musical talents by playing guitar and singing when he makes his debut.

de la Reguera says the character becomes more famous than Ana, which is part of the conflict of this season.

“We’re going to miss Carlos so much because we had such great chemistry and he’s such a great actor,” she says of Miranda has since nabbed a role in ABC’s Station 19. “David is bringing his own flavor to the character and he’s not trying to imitate what Carlos did last season. We actually make fun of the actor switch as an inside joke which is going to be a lot of fun.”

And for anyone hoping for a love connection between Ana and Papisto, de la Reguera teases the obstacles that lay ahead for them.

“For that, you’re going to have to see how the second and third season plays out. There are a lot of obstacles ahead, especially when it comes to her love life,” she shares. “There’s a new character being introduced in Season 2 played by Christian Meier, so her love life is a huge mess. Really everything is a mess for Ana and nothing goes right.”

Meier and de la Reguera previously starred in the 2003 Spanish-language telenovela Luciana y Nicolás, a situation that also played out in Season 1 via scenes from their recreated collaboration. In the new season, Christian and Ana reunite 20 years later at the request of the studio who is desperate to bring up ratings.

Season 3, set to be released at a future date, will find Ana more introspective with a new focus on finding herself. Her sister Chock (Paula Dávila) will become a more central character.

de la Reguera confirmed Season 3 will be the final season as it was always planned. She is heavily involved in every aspect of the series as creator, star, producer and writer, which can be taxing when a lot of what plays out is inspired by her real life. But it’s thanks to her vulnerability that makes this series a standout, as well as the confidence that emanates when she’s being self-deprecating, honest and raw.

“I pitched the show from day one as three seasons. I imagined the whole story and that’s how we shot it. I didn’t want to keep talking beyond that. It’s draining to be talking about my life and putting it all out there. I think there’s a limit,” she revealed.

She concluded with a laugh, “Unless someone wants to pay me a lot of money then we can revisit with Ana again someday for sure.”

William Levy to Star in Pantaya’s Dramatic Thriller “Montecristo”

William Levy is ready to thrill…

The 41-year-old Cuban actor and former telenovela star will be leading the cast of the newly announced dramatic thriller Montecristo, from Pantaya and Secuoya Studios.

William Levy

Levy’s new series is set in Havana, Madrid, and Miami.

Based on Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, the series tells the story of Alejandro Montecristo (Levy), an enigmatic figure who bursts into the public eye and raises concerns amongst the world’s elite because of the mysterious origins of his fortune.

He’s the founder and CEO of a new technology company that has incited the envy and interest of many, among those is Fernando Alvarez Mondego – a businessman connected to the Spanish aristocracy who wants to acquire the Montecristo startup. What Fernando doesn’t know is that Montecristo is someone he knew decades ago and the reason for his emergence is fueled purely by revenge.

“I’ve been drawn to the story of The Count of Montecristo since my youth,” Levy tells Deadline in an exclusive statement. “He’s a mysterious figure driven in his pursuit of justice and vengeance, which are powerful themes that resonate universally. I am so thrilled to be partnering with Secuoya Studios and Pantaya to bring this story to life in a way that has never been seen before.”

“Montecristo is our newest modernized premium classic series,” adds Mario Almeida, Head of Content for Pantaya. “This story of vengeance and passion has unforgettable characters at its core, and the new take on this timeless story is brilliantly conceived. We feel there is no better partnership to serve revenge coldly.”

Levy began his career in the Spanish-language market where he quickly rose to become to one of the most sought out talents where he remains today. He expanded his reach with U.S. audiences in the 2000s with roles in Tyler Perry’s The Single Moms ClubGirls Trip opposite Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter; and most notably on the small screen as a regular in Lee Daniels’ Star.

“We are extremely proud in our multiple project slate with Pantaya and William, they both are an integral part of our expansion plan in the Americas and the world,” said David Martinez, head of fiction, and Sergio Pizzolante, head of the U.S. and Latin America from Secuoya Studios, respectively.

The television adaptation is written by Lidia Fraga and Jacobo Díaz and will be directed by Alberto Ruiz-Rojo. The series is produced by David Martinez and executive produced by Secuoya Studios and Sergio Pizzolante. Levy and his producing partner Jeff Goldberg will also serve as executive producers.

The series will premiere on Pantaya in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Pantaya Releases First-Look Trailer for Lucía Puenzo’s New Series “Señorita 89”

Lucía Puenzo is preparing for a little pageantry

Pantaya has released the official first-look trailer and teaser key art for the Argentine author, screenwriter and film director’s Señorita 89, one of the most anticipated of series from Latin America in 2022,

Lucía PuenzoPuenzo’s new series will premiere in the U.S. on February 27.

Produced by Academy Award winners Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín and Fabula, PantayaStarzplay and Fremantle, “Señorita 89” is showrun by Puenzo, who is rapidly emerging as one of the Latin America’s foremost film and television writer-directors after La Jauría, first fruit of a first-look deal between Fabula and Fremantle.

La Jauría drilled down on multiple forms of sexual abuse, powered by a thriller format. Señorita 89 looks as if it might do the same but in a far different context, exposing the unseen and unseemly reality behind the glamor of a 1989 Miss Mexico beauty pageant.

The drama thriller is set in a seeming paradise, La Encantada estate in wooded Mexican hills where 32 beauty queens arrive for three-months of grooming before competing for become Miss Mexico.

The paradise soon becomes a living hell. Some of this hell’s circles are teased in this first look, as well as its disruptive and often very human passions – carnal, romantic, narcotic – and a plush high style which forefronts, however, restrictive framing, whether gateways, passages and corridors.

Also introduced, however briefly, is a top notch Mexican-Chilean cast playing what looks like the series’ main characters: Miss Guerrero (Bárbara López), with a perfect body and self-destructive bent; Miss Chihuahua (Leidi Gutiérrez), who grew up working in a sweat shop; Elena (Ximena Romo), a brilliant post-grad student brought in to teach the girls culture; and above all, Concepción, embodied by Ilse Salas, one of the finest Mexican actors of her generation who is co-director of La Encantada.

There’s also the suggestion of a fairy tale in the cozy establishing shot of the house in the big woods and the positioning of Concepción as a step-mother to her wards; and echoes of film styles and classic works – ‘50s American melodrama,

Concepción’s husband as a Doctor Frankenstein, Dante’s “Inferno” – which Puenzo is so good at picking up and reworking to instructive effect.

Just how all of this rich material will play out remains to be seen. Pantaya will premiere “Señorita 89’s” first two episodes on February 27 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, followed by a weekly episode every Sunday.

The full season of eight episodes will be available for binging on April 10. Starzplay will distribute the series in Spain and Latin America. Fremantle handles global distribution.

Fernanda Castillo Signs Overall Deal with Pantaya

Fernanda Castillo has a new deal…

The 39-year-old Mexican actress has signed an overall deal with Pantaya.

Fernanda Castillo As part of the agreement, Castillo will star in and co-produce original series and films (via Pantelion Films) for the company.

Castillo and Pantelion previously partnered on the film No Manches Fridaone of the top-grossing Spanish-language comedies, and Ya Veremos, which is one of the most successful films on the streamer.

“One of the most fascinating and exciting things about my work as an actress is that it allows me to cross borders and tell stories that have an impact on the culture and identity of the viewers,” Castillo tells Deadline.

“I am honored to be able to create content with Pantaya for the U.S. Hispanic community and for this to be a bridge that allows us to connect to our roots and reflect who we are,” she continued. “I am thrilled to be part of their mission to give Latinos the premium television content they deserve.”

Pantaya and Pantelion’s CEO, Paul Presburger added, “Fernanda is an incredible talent, and her films are consistently fan favorites amongst Pantaya subscribers. We are thrilled to collaborate with her on this new slate of projects and to be continuing the aggressive growth of our talent partnerships and content offerings.”

Pantaya’s partnership with Castillo is the third talent deal for the streamer, who recently announced deals with Maite Perroni and Mauricio Ochmann.

Maite Perroni Signs First-Ever Overall Deal with Pantaya

Maite Perroni is making history…

The 38-year-old Mexican actress and singer has signed a multi-year overall deal with Pantaya, the Spanish-language streamer’s first-ever overall deal of its kind.

Maite PerroniPerroni will star and co-produce original series and films for the company. Films developed as part of the deal will be produced in tandem with Pantelion Films, Pantaya’s partner company.

The deal builds on an existing relationship between the widely recognized Latin superstar and Pantaya following their multiple collaborations, including leading roles in the series El Juego de las Llaves and Herederos por Accidenteand the films Un Rescate de Huevitos and Doblemente Embarazadawhich she starred in and executive produced. All are currently available to stream exclusively via Pantaya.

“It’s such an honor to formalize this partnership with Pantaya and Pantelion Films, after collaborating for so many years on great projects, including the opportunity to be the Pantaya spokesperson at the beginning of their launch four years ago,” Perroni said in a statement. “I am excited and grateful to get to work with great minds to create powerful and entertaining premium quality content for the Hispanic audience in the U.S. and around the world.”

Added Paul Presburger, CEO of Pantaya and Pantelion, “Maite is an extraordinary talent, and we are delighted to continue our successful relationship with her. This new partnership highlights the immense growth we’ve had at Pantaya as we expand our slate of content in tandem with leading talent and producers. We can’t wait to collaborate with Maite and share our new programming with our subscribers.”

Perroni—who is also producer and songwriter— burst onto the scene while starring in the 2004 hit telenovela Rebelde that followed the adventures of six Mexico City students who formed the band RBD. The group, of which Perroni was a part, jumped off-screen finding international success from 2004 until their split in 2009. They reunited in 2020 virtually.

She also most recently starred in Netflix’s Dark Desire, a thriller drama series set to premiere its second and final season in 2022.

Pantaya & Amazon Prime Video Renew Ana de la Reguera’s Eponymous series “Ana” for Two More Seasons

Ana de la Reguera isn’t done opening up about her life just yet…

The 44-year-old Mexican actress’ eponymous series based on her life for Pantaya in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video has been renewed for seasons 2 and 3.

Ana de la Reguera

Anaproduced by VIS, a division of ViacomCBS— is a bilingual comedy created, produced, written, and starring de la Reguera about an aging actress trying to find her place in the world and in Hollywood as she nears her 40s.

“I am really happy to continue sharing this story and that the audience has received it as we expected,” de la Reguera said in a statement. “The next two seasons will be a lot of fun! Thanks to ViacomCBS, Amazon Prime Video, and Pantaya for all the trust since the beginning of this project. They have allowed me to grow a lot as a creator and I will be infinitely grateful to them.”

In season 2, Ana will try to keep her sanity and continue to deal with her mother who now lives with her in Los Angeles, while starring in a television series of bad 90s sitcoms.

In the third part of the series, Ana must rebuild her life and regain her credibility as an actress.

Series co-stars include Carlos Miranda, Tina Romero, Paulina Dávila, Ali Gardoqui, Augusto Gardoqui, Paly Duval and Eduardo “Lalo” España.

Ana’s forthcoming seasons will premiere exclusively on Pantaya in the United States and Puerto Rico and Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.

Season one, which was nominated for a GLAAD Award for Best Television Series Scripted in Spanish, is available to stream now via Pantaya and Amazon.

Cassandra Sanchez-Navarro Signs with Buchwald & Anonymous Content for U.S. Representation

Cassandra Sanchez-Navarro is ready to crossover stateside…

The 30-year-old Mexican actress and telenovela star has signed with Buchwald and Anonymous Content for representation in the United States.

Cassandra Sanchez-Navarro

Sanchez-Navarro starred in the romantic comedy Cindy La Regiaa film that went on to become the most successful film in her native Mexico in 2020.

She most recently appeared in the Pantaya release El Peligro En Tu Miranda, currently available for viewing on streaming platforms.

Up next, she will appear in two films: Malcriados and Enfermo Amor opening in Mexico later this year.

Other credits include appearances in Netflix’s Sense 8 and El Dragon: Return of the Warrior for Univision and Televisa.

Sanchez-Navarro was classically trained at LA’s Lee Strasberg Academy and New York American Musical and Dramatic Academy, before going to London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

She’s a fifth-generation actor and granddaughter of Manolo Fabregas, often referred to as ‘The Man of Theater’, and the first Mexican to perform on Broadway, starring opposite legends including Shirley MacLaine and Clint Eastwood.

She continues to be represented by manager Prensa Danna in Mexico.

FilmSharks Sells Rights to Stefanía Tortorella-Starrer “Ghosting Gloria” Globally

It appears Stefanía Tortorella will be ghosting around the globe…

The Latina actress’ latest project Ghosting Gloria (Muerto Con Gloria), a high-concept spooky comedy, has sold its U.S. rights to Pantaya, the company run by Lionsgate and Cinelatino.

Stefanía Tortorella

The Spanish-language film, directed by Mauro Sarser and Marcela Matta, has also sold to Spain’s largest telcom group, Movistar+, which took all digital rights. AV-Jet has taken Taiwanese rights.

FilmSharks, the Buenos Aires-based sales agency, has also entered discussions for various remakes of the film, including in the English-language.

The film is set to have its world premiere at Fantasia next month. It follows Gloria, a 30-year-old single woman who has never had an orgasm. She finally finds her ideal lover, but the only caveat is that “he” does not inhabit the world of the living.

The film also stars Nenan Pelenur, Mauro Sarser, Federico Guerra, Noelia Campo, Marco Manfrini, Cecilia Sánchez and Nicolás Pereyra.